Hi, this is Izumitani from the Ehime Film Commission (Ehime FC).
On the second day of the Japan Film Commission Shikoku Block Training, we set off on a ferry from Takamatsu Port at 9:00 AM and arrived at Tonosho Port on Shodoshima at 10:00 AM. There, we were greeted by the Shodoshima Film Commission, who guided us on a tour of the filming locations for the Teasing Master Takagi-san drama and movie, both set on the island.
A Unique Approach to Film Commission Training
Unlike other regional block training sessions, which usually wrap up in a single day, the Shikoku Block takes a two-day approach.
・Day 1 is focused on training sessions.
・Day 2 features a location tour hosted by the local film commission.
The last time Ehime FC hosted a location tour, we ran a “Two-Hour Filming Location Tour in Central Matsuyama,” which included visits to:
・Ehime Prefectural Government Main Building (Let’s Get Divorced, K-20: The Fiend with Twenty Faces)
・Bansuisou (The Hound of the Baskervilles)
・Matsuyama Castle (Clouds Over the Hill)
・Okaido Shopping Arcade (Destruction Babies)
・Gintengai Shopping Arcade (Let’s Get Divorced)
・Botchan Square (Let’s Get Divorced)
Exploring Shodoshima’s Filming Locations
Back to our Shodoshima tour! Our first stop was Angel Road, a sand pathway that appears and disappears with the tide. Since it was only accessible until 10:57 AM, we hurried across it, snapped some commemorative photos, and then moved on to Dofuchi Strait.
Dofuchi Strait holds the Guinness World Record (1996) as the narrowest strait in the world—so narrow, in fact, that you might cross it without even realizing it! The moment we stepped over a small bridge, we were handed a certificate that read:
“Congratulations! You have crossed Dofuchi Strait!”
At its narrowest point, it’s just 9.93 meters wide!
We were excited to learn that some key scenes from Teasing Master Takagi-san were filmed on the very bridge and pedestrian crossing we had just walked on. After taking in the sights, we headed toward Ikeda’s Grandstand.
Ikeda’s Grandstand: A Historic Filming Location
After a 20-minute drive, we arrived at Ikeda’s Grandstand, a massive structure of stone walls and steps, measuring 80 meters wide and 18 meters high. This Important National Folk Cultural Property was once used by farmers for kabuki performances, and today, it serves as a festival stage.
In the Teasing Master Takagi-san movie, a tower stage was set up here for filming, and even a fireworks scene was shot at this location. Standing in this historic space where fiction met reality felt surreal!
Although more locations were on the itinerary, my Ehime FC colleague and I had a meeting to attend, so we bid farewell to the group at Ikeda’s Grandstand and made our way back to Tonosho Port.
A Surprise in the Taxi! 🚖
The Shodoshima FC kindly arranged a taxi for us—and it turned out to be a special taxi used in the filming of Teasing Master Takagi-san! 🎬 The car was covered in anime visuals from the series, making it stand out immediately.
During the 20-minute ride, the taxi driver shared behind-the-scenes stories about the filming process. He mentioned that one of his relatives appeared as an extra and that he himself had visited the set. For a quiet island where large-scale productions are rare, the filming was a huge event, especially for the local children!
An Unexpected Pokémon Encounter on the Ferry
Before we knew it, we arrived at Tonosho Port and boarded the ferry back to Takamatsu. To our surprise, the entire ferry interior was decorated with Yadon (Slowpoke, the Pokémon character)! 🐱🏍
Curious, I asked why—and it turns out that Yadon is the PR ambassador for Kagawa Prefecture (a.k.a. Udon Prefecture), since “Udon” sounds similar to “Yadon.” Clever marketing!
Wrapping Up an Unforgettable Trip
From iconic filming locations to unexpected anime surprises, this location tour was a perfect mix of film, history, and pop culture. Thanks to the Shodoshima Film Commission, we got a first-hand experience of how this beautiful island has been brought to life on screen. Looking forward to seeing more productions set in Shodoshima in the future!